The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Saka Adewale, has confirmed that Arise News correspondent, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, tragically lost her life after jumping from the third floor of her apartment building in Katampe, Abuja, during an armed robbery on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Earlier reports indicated that the journalist, fondly called Sommie, leapt from her residence at Unique Apartments, a three-storey twin building with 18 flats, when armed robbers invaded the premises around the Gishiri axis of Katampe under Mabushi Division.
Vigilantes and neighbours revealed that she was found unconscious after landing on the hard concrete floor and was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday, CP Adewale confirmed that police officers met Somtochukwu in a critical condition at the scene before taking her to Maitama General Hospital.
“Policemen moved to the scene and found her lying unconscious. She was immediately taken to Maitama General Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate her using CPR, but sadly, she could not make it,” the CP stated.
He explained that two private security guards were on duty during the invasion. One of them reportedly confronted the robbers and was shot in the process.
Amid the chaos, Somtochukwu, who lived on the topmost floor, jumped in an attempt to escape, leading to the fatal outcome.
“The consequences were tragic and very unfortunate,” Adewale said.
The FCT Police Commissioner disclosed that a special investigative team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Investigation, has been set up to pursue the suspects.
“We have set up a specific investigation team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Investigation, with all tactical units involved to track down the culprits. The leads we are getting are already being worked on, and no stone will be left unturned until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he assured.
Adewale expressed condolences on behalf of the Command to the family of the late broadcast journalist, the Arise News organisation, and Nigerians mourning the shocking incident.
“This is a deeply disturbing tragedy. The FCT Command once again commiserates with the family of Sommie, the Arise News family, and Nigerians who have been touched by this ugly event,” he said.